Manny Pacquiao confirmed Tuesday that Floyd Mayweather has formally agreed their September 19 rematch will be a professional fight, putting Mayweather’s undefeated 50-0 record at risk. The bout is scheduled to stream on Netflix at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
“The fight is on,” Pacquiao texted BoxingScene after Mayweather told reporters in late March the bout would be an exhibition. The confirmation came after Pacquiao’s camp set an end-of-business Tuesday deadline for Mayweather to clarify the fight’s status.
Contractual Dispute Resolved
According to the Pacquiao camp, Mayweather had signed multiple contracts designating the bout as a legitimate professional match and had already taken cash advances on those agreements. Jas Mathur, president of Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, told “Inside the Ring” on Monday that Mayweather faced potential repercussions from Pacquiao, Netflix and others if he failed to confirm his participation in a professional bout.
Pacquiao, 62-8-3 (39 KOs), addressed Mayweather directly in a recent interview with BoxingScene. “You need to honor your commitment,” the 47-year-old said. “This time, there’s no reason for alibis or excuses.”
Rematch 11 Years in Making
Mayweather, 50-0 (27 KOs), defeated Pacquiao by unanimous decision in their first meeting in 2015 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. That bout remains the richest prizefight in boxing history.
Pacquiao returned to professional boxing last year at age 47, fighting then-WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios to a draw. The performance revived discussions of a second showdown with the 49-year-old Mayweather.
Pacquiao has spent April promoting the event, appearing at multiple sporting events including throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium. Venue arrangements for The Sphere are still being finalized.
H/T: Boxing Scene
